Short answer
IW371438 is an IWC Portugieser Chronograph reference. The genuine watch has a 40.9 mm steel case, a two counter dial, and IWC calibre 79350 inside. Replica versions of this reference come in several grades. The better copies match the case width and the dial layout. They still differ in movement, hand finish, and dial printing. No replica uses an IWC movement.
The reference in numbers
- Case: stainless steel, 40.9 mm wide, 12.3 mm thick
- Movement: IWC calibre 79350, automatic, based on the Valjoux 7750
- Beat rate: 28,800 vph, power reserve about 44 hours
- Functions: hours, minutes, small seconds at 6, chronograph seconds, 30 minute counter at 12. No date
- Crystal: sapphire with antireflective coating on both faces
- Water resistance: 3 bar
- Strap: alligator leather
IWC built several references in the IW3714 family. They share a case and a movement and differ in dial colour, hands, and strap. Check the caseback number before you compare a watch to IW371438 photos. Published catalogues list IW371438 as a steel case with a light dial and gold tone hands and markers. Confirm the exact trim level against an IWC service record.
Where replicas match
Case diameter, lug shape, and dial layout are the easy parts to copy. Most replica IW371438 watches get the 40.9 mm width close. They get the two counter layout right. Strap colour and buckle shape are close on the higher grades.
Where replicas fail
- Small seconds position. IWC moved the running seconds to 6 o'clock on the 79350. A stock 7750 puts that subdial at 9. A replica with seconds at 6 uses a different movement or a module.
- Thickness. Copies run 1 to 2 mm thicker than 12.3 mm.
- Hands. The genuine leaf hands are curved and polished. Copies are flat and stamped.
- Dial print. Inspect the IWC and Schaffhausen text under a loupe.
- Caseback engraving depth and movement finish behind the sapphire.
- Chronograph feel. A 7750 based movement has a firm pusher. Quartz copies have no pusher feel at all.
Legal position in the US
Sale and import of counterfeit watches violates 18 U.S.C. 2320. US Customs and Border Protection can seize shipments. Buyers risk seizure and chargebacks. Resale of a counterfeit as genuine is a separate offence.
Checks before you buy any IW3714
- Ask for the caseback number and match it to an IWC reference.
- Time the chronograph. The 30 minute counter should advance in steps.
- Measure the case with calipers.
- Check the small seconds. It should sit at 6, not 9.
- Request a photo of the movement through the caseback.
Price is a signal. A genuine steel IW3714 trades in the low to mid four figures on the secondary market. IWC listed the model near $8,000 new before it was replaced. An offer far below that range is not a bargain.